I have to admit, I’m having a terrible time trying to focus right now. I’ve had this whole day to focus on writing projects that matter to me. And I have several of them going right now. What have I managed to get done? Not a single thing. I’m in complete distraction mode.

It started first thing this morning when I was trying to finish up a few preparations for the Killer Nashville conference that’s coming up. Yes, it’s that time again. Killer Nashville starts on August 18th. Just about 10 days from now. So, I needed to work out the schedule and fill out volunteer forms. I also spent some time on the phone with my sister, who is going with me this year, discussing what sessions we’re attending that are the same and which are different.

By the time I finished all that, I was well past lunchtime, so I thought: Self, do something productive and work on some blog posts. What a great idea! I pulled out the binder where I’ve been collecting blog post ideas, and start researching. One – count it – ONE rabbit hole later, I’m just starting to write the post, and it’s not even about what I’ve been researching all afternoon. I spent hours in research that’s completely unrelated to any project that I am actively working on. Did I mention that it’s early evening? Yeah. Distracticated.

The good news is that I now have a fantastic idea for another little nonfiction book that I can put together which I hope will help other writers. It won’t take me long to write it, but I already have a huge list of working projects, so I’m putting it on the backburner for the moment. It’s something that I can pick up in a week or two, after Killer Nashville has passed and I’m in full-on, post-conference jazzed-mode. I know from experience the weeks after the conference will be full of productivity. I always finish the conference excited to get back to work on a project or start a new project. It’s just the focus that I need for the remainder of the year.

Until then, looks like I’ll be working tonight on a few things. But help a girl out, what distracts you when you’re supposed to be writing? And how do you overcome those distractions? Share your comments below. I’d really love to hear your suggestions.